The Application:
Under section 160(2)(h) of the Companies Act 1990 (as amended by section 42(b) of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001), the Director may seek the disqualification of the directors of a company, which has been involuntarily struck off the Register of Companies pursuant to Section 12 of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1982.

Under section 160(3A), directors may successfully defend such an application for disqualification by demonstrating to the High Court that the company had no liabilities at the time of involuntary strike-off or that any such liabilities were discharged before the date of the making of the disqualification application. Where it deems that a sanction is appropriate, the Court has discretion to either disqualify the director for such period as it deems fit or restrict him or her for a five year period.

Outcome:
On 19th February 2007 Martin Allen, who was a director of a number of insolvent companies known as Champion Telecom Limited, Diamond Telecom Limited, Foxburg International Limited, M Allen Magazine Publishers Limited, Ovid Print Media Limited, The Minute Business Limited, Thorin International Limited, European ICT Resource Facilities Limited at the time they were struck off the Companies Register, was made the subject of a disqualification order for a period of 12 years. The Court made an Order for costs in favour of the Director, such costs were to be taxed in default of agreement.

The effect of this Order is that Martin Allen is disqualified from being appointed or acting as auditor, director or other officer, receiver Liquidator or examiner or being in any way whether directly or indirectly concerned or taking part in the promotion, formation or management of any company or society registered under the Industrial Provident Societies Acts 1893 to 1978 for a period of 12 years commencing 19th February 2007.